Mehta and Zhu (2009) explain these results through achievement motivation
theory. Different colors enhance different achievement motivations, which can then affect
the performance on different types of cognitive tasks. For color to affect the performance
on cognitive tasks, Elliot and Maier (2007) state six premises that must be met. First,
color should be able to carry a specific meaning. If color were merely for aesthetic
purposes then it would not have influence over psychological functioning. Second, the
meaning of colors is based both on learned associations and on biological responses. For
example, in an academic setting, red is often coupled with mistakes. A teacher corrects a
paper is a red pen; this is a learned association. Biologically red can be a signal of danger
as in some cases of an ape’s attack readiness (Maier, Elliot, & Lichtenfeld, 2008). Blue is
more often associated with openness and peace instead of danger (Mehta & Zhu, 2009).